Hirani’s family was among the 600-odd Pakistani Hindu families which fled Pakistan and crossed the Atari border in September 2011, taking refuge in India. A Hindu family celebrates Diwali in Karachi. Reuters.

Of the 600 families, around 150 stayed at the capital’s Majnu ka Tilla initially, but later moved to different places in the capital and other neighbouring states, spreading into Haryana and Rajasthan.

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Though there were few earthen lamps and only a handful of sweets and crackers, it was Diwali in India, which is where I belong. Nobody could say anything to me if my tent was illuminated with lamps.

By Arjun Das Hirani

In 2011, it was Diwali again after 40 years, for many of us had stopped celebrating the festival in Pakistan. Last year, many of us were at Majnu ka Tilla and celebrated the festival there; this time, it is a rather solitary affair.

We were pariahs in Pakistan. We could either covert to Islam or face wrath for just being Hindu. They don't see us as Pakistani, but Hindustanis (Indians).

By Arjun Das Hirani

I did not go to school as Papa never sent me to school, as that would force Islam on us. Islamic study was a must there.

Every day they kidnap some or the other Hindu girl and forcibly convert her to Islam. We are scared to go out.

Who would want to languish under a tent which cannot protect you from winter and rain? But at least, in this land, I can sleep peacefully and not worry about the protection of my family.